6 Day Best Rwanda Safari with Top Rwanda Attractions
This 6-day Rwanda safari blends primate spotting, forest exploration, and savannah wildlife across Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Akagera National Parks. Highlights include chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, canopy and walking safaris, and a boat ride on Lake Ihema. The journey ends with a Kigali city tour, offering cultural depth alongside Rwanda’s natural wonders.
Rwanda’s compact geography and rich biodiversity make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a multifaceted safari experience. This 6-day itinerary is crafted to highlight the country’s most iconic attractions, weaving together primate encounters, forest exploration, and savannah wildlife. Beginning in Nyungwe Forest, guests are introduced to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to chimpanzees and a dramatic canopy walk suspended above the treetops. The journey continues with guided nature walks and a scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park, where the legacy of Dian Fossey and the rare mountain gorillas await. Each day is designed to offer depth, variety, and a strong connection to Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
From the misty highlands of Volcanoes to the open plains of Akagera National Park, Rwanda safari itinerary transitions seamlessly between ecosystems. Guests enjoy gorilla trekking, a boat safari on Lake Ihema, and game drives that reveal Rwanda’s growing population of big game species. Walking safaris add a layer of intimacy to the experience, while the final day in Kigali offers cultural reflection through visits to memorials, markets, and art spaces. This itinerary balances wildlife, nature, and heritage, making it a compelling choice for travelers who value meaningful engagement and ecological diversity in a short timeframe
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Nyungwe
Day 3: Chimps Trekking with Canopy Walk
Day 4: Guided Nature Walk, Transfer to Volcanoes for Dian Fossey
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Continue to Akagera Park for Boat Safari
Day 6: Explore Akagera on Game Drive and Walking Safaris
Day 7: Return to Kigali for City Tour and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuitie
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Nyungwe
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for Rwanda safari, guests are welcomed by a professional guide and begin the journey southwest toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive offers scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural life. En route, enjoy a stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for insight into Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Arriving in Nyungwe by late afternoon, settle into a forest lodge nestled near the park’s edge. This day sets the tone for the best Rwanda safari, combining cultural depth with natural immersion. Rwanda safari promises the peaceful surroundings of Nyungwe offer a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s biodiversity and prepare guests for the primate and canopy experiences ahead
- Day2Chimps Trekking with Canopy Walk
Begin the morning of your Rwanda safari with an early chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Guided by expert trackers, follow forest trails to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat listening to their calls and watching their social behavior. After the trek, enjoy breakfast and prepare for the canopy walk, a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and birdlife. This combination of primate tracking and aerial exploration highlights the best Rwanda safari’s ecological richness. The day blends adventure with education, showcasing Nyungwe’s role in primate conservation and offering unforgettable moments in one of Rwanda’s most pristine environments
- Day3Guided Nature Walk, Transfer to Volcanoes for Dian Fossey
Start the day on Rwanda safari with a guided nature walk through Nyungwe’s forest trails, focusing on endemic flora, butterflies, and bird species. This slower-paced activity complements the previous day’s chimp trek, offering a deeper appreciation of the forest’s biodiversity. After lunch, transfer north to Volcanoes National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages. Upon arrival, check into a lodge near the park and prepare for the next day’s hike. The best Rwanda safari continues with a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Center, honoring the legacy of gorilla conservation. This transition from Nyungwe to Volcanoes blends ecological exploration with historical significance
- Day4Gorilla Trekking and Continue to Akagera Park for Boat Safari
Begin the morning with a guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park for best Rwanda safari, hiking through bamboo forests to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. This intimate wildlife encounter is a cornerstone of the best Rwanda safari, offering rare insight into gorilla behavior and conservation efforts. After the trek, enjoy lunch and transfer east to Akagera National Park, arriving in time for a late afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. The boat ride offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, providing a peaceful contrast to the mountain forests. This day bridges Rwanda’s highland primates with its savannah wildlife, showcasing the country’s ecological diversity
- Day5Explore Akagera on Game Drive and Walking Safaris
Spend the day exploring Akagera’s varied landscapes on a guided game drive, searching for elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelope across open plains and wooded hills. The drive is paced to allow photography and quiet observation, with stops at scenic viewpoints and waterholes. In the afternoon, join a walking safari led by park rangers, focusing on smaller wildlife, tracks, and plant life. This combination of vehicle and foot exploration adds depth to the best Rwanda safari, offering a close-up look at Akagera’s conservation success. The park’s rewilding efforts and community engagement make it a model for sustainable tourism in Rwanda
- Day6Return to Kigali for City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and local art galleries. This final day of the best Rwanda safari offers cultural reflection and a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. Depending on flight schedules, guests may enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Kigali International Airport for departure. The itinerary concludes with a balanced blend of wildlife, nature, and culture, leaving travelers with lasting memories of Rwanda’s landscapes and hospitality